In a commendable demonstration of its commitment to comprehensive care, Narayana Health, Howrah went above and beyond the confines of a traditional hospital to provide critical care to a critically ill patient who lived 500 km away from Kolkata in the Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

The story started when a 63-year-old man who lived in Balurghat suddenly had chest pain and shortness of breath, indicating a potentially fatal condition. His family hurried him to a nearby doctor, where a myocardial infarction (heart attack) was diagnosed, requiring immediate medical attention or surgery that the nearby clinic could not provide.

The family sought specialized care for their loved one at Narayana Health, Howrah, after discovering this grim situation. Notwithstanding the great distance and logistical difficulties, the committed staff at Narayana Health mobilized quickly.

A specialized medical team was sent to Balurghat by Narayana Hospital, Howrah, with careful planning and an emphasis on patient safety. Complete with oxygen support, monitoring equipment, and ventilators, as well as skilled paramedical and nursing personnel, a train ambulance was scheduled for the patient’s prompt transfer.

A train ambulance is a highly outfitted medical transport car intended to carry patients over long distances on train tracks while providing emergency medical attention. In areas where access to specialized medical treatment may be limited or when road transportation options are impractical, train ambulances provide a practical and economical means of transporting patients across long distances.

The patient arrived at Sealdah Station with his family and the medical staff of Narayana Hospital. He was then easily transferred to a cardiac ambulance that was ready to take him to Narayana Hospital in Howrah. Following a prompt diagnosis at the hospital, the patient’s heart had a catastrophic 90% blockage, requiring emergency intervention.

A potentially deadly consequence was avoided because of the combined efforts of Narayana Health’s interdisciplinary team, which was distinguished by the presence of mind, fast action, and decisive decision-making. These kinds of joint efforts highlight the critical significance that effective coordination plays in preserving lives.

The patient at the heart of this amazing tale, Mr. Soumen (name changed), is currently being closely watched at Narayana Hospital in Howrah. He is recuperating nicely from the angioplasty he had previously received at the hospital.

A great tale of courage and determination indeed.

Priyanka Dutta